Spartan Mowers is one of the new players in the zero turn mower market. They featured their first mower at GIE Expo in 2015. Since then, they have continued to improve their mowers each year. They are known for their “cool” appearance and features. Everything about these mowers looks awesome and gives a tough appearance.
Spartan Mowers Company
Based in Batesville, Arkansas, Spartan Mowers was founded by Robert and Becky Foster. They are long time successful entrepreneurs that dove into the mower industry several years ago. Their family owned company has grown a little over the past couple years.
Robert made his first mower in 1999. This company was called Bad Boy… maybe you've heard of them? He grew this company for several years before leaving to pursue other interests. Some years later he decided he wanted to make mowers again… and Spartan Mowers was born. Check out the entire story here.
Spartan Zero Turn Lineup
| Mower | RZ Series | RT Series | SRT Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Size | 42″ | 54” & 61” | 54” & 61” |
| Deck Type | 4″ Deep, Full Floating Deck | 7 gauge deck XTF | 6” Deep, Full Floating Deck |
| Engine | Kawasaki FR or FX and Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series | Kohler Confidant, Kawasaki FT or FX, Briggs and Stratton Commercial Series, and Vanguard or Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard | Kawasaki FT or FX, Briggs and Stratton Commercial Series, and Vanguard, Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard, Vanguard Big Block, or Vanguard EFI |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq 300 Series | Parker HTE 10cc wheel motors & Parker HTJ 12cc wheel motors | Parker HTG 16cc wheel motors |
| Speed | Forward: Up to 7.5 mph Reverse: Up to 5 mph | Forward: Up to 9 mph Reverse: Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 11 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph |
| Fuel Tank | 5 gal | 9.5 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Comfort | Stylish & Comfortable | Dymetrol Seat with 360 Degree Floating Seat Platform | Smart Ride Technology consisting of Full Suspension Seat with Adjustable TecsPak Elastomer supports and 360 Degree Floating Seat Platform |
| Warranty | 3 years or 300 hours | 3 years or 500 hours | 3 years or 500 hours |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Spartan RZ Series
Cut Width: 48 – 61 inches
Horse-Power: 21.5 – 25 HP
The Spartan RZ Series brings a range of attractive features including the company’s patented braking system, user-friendly electric panel, comfortable cockpit design, and GT trac for maximum control and maneuverability.
It works great on inclines and slopes, providing a consistent precision cut with its 5 inch deck. You can choose between a wide range of 15 cutting heights, starting at 2 inches and increasing by a quarter inch margin up till 5.5 inches. So, you can cut your grass short in the summer months and longer in the drier, fall months, or according to customer preference.
Other Features:
- Tubular frame chassis
- Plug and play easy-to-use wiring system with a 12V outlet
- Durable, high-tension belt design
- A range of deck sizes including 48 inches, 54 inches, and 61 inches
- Engine options
- Password protected keyless startup
- Vibration control cutting deck
- LCD control panel with LED lights for 24/7 usage
You can also pay an additional fee and upgrade your tires to a radial design on both the front and rear wheels.
| Specs | RZ-C | RZ | RZ Pro | RZ-HD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Size | 42″ & 54″ | 48″, 54″, & 61″ | 54″ & 61″ | 48″, 54″, & 61″ |
| Deck Type | 4″ Deep, Full-Floating Deck | 5″ Deep, Full-Floating Deck | 5″ Deep, Full Floating Deck | 5″ Deep, Full Floating Deck |
| Engine | Kawasaki FR or Briggs and Stratton Commercial | Kawasaki FR or FX and Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series | Kawasaki FR or Briggs and Stratton Commercial | Kawasaki FR or Briggs and Stratton Commercial |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq 300 Series | Tuff Torq 400 Series | Tuff Torq 450 Series | Parker HTE 10cc Wheel Motors. |
| Speed | Forward – Up to 7.5 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 8.5 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 8.5 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 9 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph |
| Fuel Tank | 5 gal | 5 gal | 5 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Comfort | Stylish & Comfortable | Stylish & Comfortable | Stylish & Comfortable, with seat platform shock | 360 Degree Floating Seat Platform |
| Warranty | 3 Years or 300 Hours | 3 Years or 300 Hours | 3 Years or 300 Hours | 3 Years or 400 Hours |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
RZ-C
The newest model in the Spartan RZ Series, the RZ-C comes in a 42 inch and 54 inch cutting deck and three horsepower options. With its 4 inch depth you can get precise cutting around the edges of pavements and fit it into tight spaces. The design also includes a fusion welded tubular chassis which is common among Spartan’s larger model making this a top choice, budget-friendly option for buyers.
RZ
The RZ is a great option for a residential mower with its 22 inch Carlisle Ply Tires and 400 Torq Transmission making it a heavy-duty machine. When it comes to rough terrain and difficult to mow areas this is a quality machine that will get the job done.
RZ-Pro
The RZ-Pro takes things a step further with its 450 Tur Torq Transmission and 10cc pump. Once again the 22 inch Carlisle Ply Tires are great at providing the necessary traction against inclines. That makes the RZ-Pro suitable for leveled ground and inclined surfaces. You can get precise cuts on any type of terrain.
RZ-HD
When it comes to raw power nothing beats the RZ-HD with its 5 inch deep 7 gauge XTF deck, 22 inch rear radials and Parker 10 cc pump. This top-of-the-line machinery performs in even the most arduous mowing situations making it an all-purpose commercial mower.
Spartan RT Series
Cut Width: 54 – 72 inches
Horse-Power: 25 – 38.5 HP
Their next range is the Spartan RT Series, designed specifically for the small-scale commercial user. That means they come with all the standard high-class features, but also additional features to boost convenience and comfort. These include:
- Bigger fuel tanks for larger acreage and longer jobs. All RT models come with a 9.5 gallon tank.
- Multiple cutting deck sizes depending on the model
- 24 inch radial tires for the rear wheels
- Smooth tread on the front tires
- Complete 360 degree rotating seat system
- Phone and drink holders next to the seat
- 6 inch 7 gauge Extreme Turf Flow cutting deck for precise and accurate results
| Specs | RT-PRO | RT-HD |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Size | 54”, 61” | 54”, 61” & 72” |
| Deck Type | 6″ Deep, Reinforced 7 Gauge XTF Deck | 6” Deep, Full-floating deck & 7 gauge deck XTF |
| Engine | Kohler Confidant, Kawasaki FT, Briggs and Stratton Commercial Series | Kawasaki FX, Briggs and Stratton Commercial Series, and Vanguard or Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard |
| Transmission | Parker HTE 10cc wheel motors | Parker HTJ 12cc wheel motors |
| Speed | Forward – Up to 9 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 11mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph |
| Fuel Tank | 9.5 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Comfort | Dymetrol Seat with 360 Degree Floating Seat Platform | Full Suspension Seat with Adjustable TecsPak Elastomer supports and 360 degree Floating Seat Platform |
| Warranty | 3 years or 500 hours | 3 years or 500 hours |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
RT-Pro
Offers quality cutting for residential or commercial mowers, and is available in a 54 inch and 61 inch cutting deck. This mower is a mid-level commercial machine that has a lot of great
RT-HD
A heavy-duty high-quality commercial mower that is available in a 72 inch cutting deck and provides extreme value for money. This is one of the best commercial zero turn mowers you can get in this price range.
Spartan SRT Series
Cut Width: 54 – 72 inches
Horse-Power: 26 – 38.5 HP
While the RT series is perfect for people starting out in the commercial mowing business the RT series takes things to the next level. This is the final level of mowing hardware, suitable for the mower who needs to handle large-scale commercial jobs that require heavy power.
The Spartan SRT mowers are top of the line which is why they are also the most expensive series among this list. You’ll find three options, namely the Pro, HD and XD models that vary slightly in their individual components.
Additionally, Spartan takes certain steps to make all their products user friendly and this is no different. These features include a keyless ignition where you only need to enter your personal code to start the machine. Steering levers let you maneuver easily and the Smart Ride Technology makes seating comfortable.
For the security features you have an LCD control panel with the engine and deck hour meters, low level warning voltmeter, display for time between oil changes and LED warning indicators. These let you stay on top of maintenance concerns so your mower doesn’t break down without warning.
In addition to the general high quality features, precision mowing, and Smart Ride Technology that Spartan offers across all its hardware, the SRT series has a few added features, namely:
- 9.5 gallon fuel tanks that last all day and are perfect for larger acreage and longer jobs
- Rollover protection structure
- Front 54 inch 13 x 6.5 radial tires
- Tread patterned 61 inch 24 x 12 rear radial tires
- Three deck size options
- Minimal hydro drive maintenance so you can go 1000 hours between oil changes
- Foward driver speed of 11 MPH, reverse driver speed of 5 MPH
- Smart Ride Technology with a cushioned suspension seat and 360 degree rotating platform
| Specs | SRT-Pro | SRT-HD | SRT-XD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Size | 54” & 61” | 54″, 61″, & 72″ | 54”, 61” & 72″ |
| Deck Type | 6” Deep, Full-floating deck | 6” Deep, Full-floating deck | 6” Deep, Full Floating Deck |
| Engine | Kawasaki FT, Briggs and Stratton Commercial Series | Kawasaki FT or FX, and Vanguard | Kawasaki FX, Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard, Vanguard Big Block, or Vanguard EFI |
| Transmission | Parker HTE 10cc wheel motors | Parker HTJ 12cc Wheel Motors | 6″ Deep, Full Floating Deck |
| Speed | Forward – Up to 11 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 11 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph | Forward – Up to 13 mph Reverse – Up to 5 mph |
| Fuel Tank | 9.5 gal | 9.5 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Comfort | Smart Ride Technology consisting of Full Suspension Seat with Adjustable TecsPak Elastomer supports and 360 degree Floating Seat Platform rolling on radial tires and an independent rear frame section suspended by Winamac Coil Spings | Smart Ride Technology consisting of Full Suspension Seat with Adjustable TecsPak Elastomer supports and 360 degree Floating Seat Platform rolling on radial tires and an independent rear frame section suspended by Winamac Coil Spings | Smart Ride Technology consisting of Full Suspension Seat with Adjustable TecsPak Elastomer supports and 360 degree Floating Seat Platform rolling on radial tires and an independent rear frame section suspended by Winamac Coil Spings |
| Warranty | 3 years or 500 hours | 3 years or 500 hours | 3 years or 500 hours |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
SRT-Pro
The SRT-Pro is a top mower that offers high-quality accurate cutting and is available in a 54 inch and 61 inch cutting deck. You can choose between two engine options. The SRT-Pro comes with a Kawasaki 24 HP engine and a Briggs and Stratton 27 HP engine. Both are equally efficient so you can pick whichever one you prefer.
SRT-HD
A heavy-duty high-quality commercial mower that is available in a 61 and 72 inch cutting deck, rear radial tires, spring suspension and 18500 FPM blade tip speed the SRT-HD is the best of the best when it comes to hardcore mowing equipment. The SRT-HD Kawasaki engine comes in 26 HP, and 38.5 HP options, or get a SRT-HD Vanguard 28 HP model.
You can easily adjust the deck and change between 15 cut heights, starting at 1.75 inches and going all the way up to 5 inches with quarter inch increments. The blade spindles are made of cast aluminium and do not require regular maintenance.
SRT-XD
A heavy-duty high-quality commercial mower that is available in a 72 inch cutting deck and multiple engine options. The SRT-XD Vanguard engine comes in 28 HP, 35 HP, and 37 HP options, or get a SRT-XD Kawasaki 38.5 HP model. All other specifications remain the same regardless of the specific model you pick.
Conclusion
Overall, Spartan mowers come in a lot of quality models. Their three major series are separated by price range and target market. The Spartan RZ Series is perfect for residential use and some commercial application.
The Spartan RT Series is the go-to commercial mower for landscapers looking to get into the professional business. You can use it day in and day out on small to medium acreage and it will provide precise and accurate cuts.
Then you have the Spartan SRT series which is for the final bracket of hardcore mowers who need high-quality mowers for large lawns and possible harsh terrain. These models are suited to working on flat surfaces or at an incline so you can fulfil pretty much all your working needs.
Each model comes in a variety of engine options, namely Vanguard and Kawasaki. Different professionals may prefer different brands of engines. Within this you can choose the amount of horsepower and other specifications you require.
When it comes to picking the best mower you need to choose one that fits your mowing needs. If you’re only mowing lawns that are two to three acres then there is no need for you to spend more money and purchase a machine that caters to 5 acre spreads. Instead look for other specifications that will benefit your day-to-day work and the issues you encounter.
Spartan has a lot to offer in this regard and you really can’t go wrong with their mowers. So, good luck picking!
What do you think?
Thanks for taking the time to check out this Spartan Zero turn mower review. Please let me know if you have any questions or how you can get a hold of one yourself.
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For more information on this mower check out Spartan.
Images are from Spartan.
I would not buy another Spartan Mower. 32 run hours and it won’t run. The customer service was no help in resolving the issue. Dealers says parts are back ordered with no end date offered. 60” RTZ Kawasaki engine FR691
Pat, a lot of mowers use identical engines. Kawasaki does seem to have issues (why I do not use Kawasaki brand engines anymore).
I do not own any Spartan mowers but it appears well built especially fabricated decks. If the mower engine is the problem you may want to get a vanguard in place of the Kaw. I truly believe this is why a lot of mower companies offer a choice in engine manufacturers.
Just my honest opinion. Good luck
First Cut with my SRT-XD with the 37 HP Vanguard the mower is a disappointment not the power it needs to cut and the bolts come out of the deck 1 hr on the unit not happy…
I have read many complaints regarding Spartans cutting deck. I have the same problem. The deck does not cut evenly in all terrains. My concern is it is not a floating deck but rather a fixed deck. On my first oil change I told my dealer about the problem. I’ve tried everything from making sure proper air pressure in all tires, blade sharpening and balance to a total inspection of the mower deck.
On an incline with a floating deck the one side goes up and the other side goes down and the deck follows the contour of the slope as you mow around it. Not so with my Spartan zero turn. The upper side is where it should be and leaves the grass at 3 inches as it should but the down side leaves the grass at 4-41/2 inches because the deck is rigid instead of being able to float down to 3 inches. The only way to get an almost even cut is mow up the slope and down the slope but it feels like you are going to turn over when you change from up to down.
I don’t know if anyone knows how to fix it except for making a floating deck for it. An example of a floating deck is the Snapper which has chains on both sides. One goes down on uphill side and is slack. The other side chain is taught because the deck has adjusted to the contour of the slope.
I will never buy another Spartan(which I rarely use ) nor will I recommend it to anyone to buy.